A psychiatric trainee is reprimanded for using social network websites with explicit sexual content while at work. He explains that such breaks are very important while doing a stressful job and preventing web access at work will only make him less efficient at work.
Which of the following defence mechanisms is he using?
D. This example refers to rationalization. A rationalizing individual offers rational explanations in an attempt to justify unacceptable attitudes or beliefs or actions. Intellectualization is closely allied to rationalization, but it is very important to note that in rationalization, the motives are usually primal and instinctually determined, for example sex, aggression, greed, etc. Intellectualization is an immature defence. It refers to excessively using intellectual processes to avoid experiencing painful emotions (not necessarily libidinal). An intellectualizing individual places undue emphasis on inanimate objects or parts to avoid dealing with emotion-provoking, ‘living’ elements. He may have more focus on outside reality to avoid inner feelings; in the process he may pay more attention to irrelevant details.
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The term cathexis in psychoanalysis refers to which of the following?
D. Cathexis refers to the supposed libidinal energy stored in neurones and kept under control by the monitoring action of ego. Release of cathexis presents as impulses and defence mechanisms serve to alter the expression. Libidinal energy may be constructive sexual energy or destructive aggression. The junction between two neurones is called a synapse. Re-enactment of childhood conflicts during a therapy session refers to transference. Dream work includes various processes and revisions and not defence mechanisms as such.
A patient attending psychotherapy sessions for pervasive anxiety and depression shows reduced interest in the therapy gradually, after the first eight sessions. When questioned she replies that she continues to attend only to achieve the satisfaction of ‘being looked-after’.
Which of the following processes explains the above?
B. Transference neurosis involves the re-creation of the patient’s conflicts enacted within the psychoanalysis session. This enactment mirrors aspects of the infantile neurosis. The transference neurosis usually develops in the middle phase of analysis, when the patient, after initial engagement, stops displaying consistent motivation but engages in therapy to attain emotional satisfaction of re-enacting her infantile conflict. Emergence of the transference neurosis is usually a slow and gradual process but when a patient has a propensity for transference regression (e.g. emotionally unstable or histrionic) this can occur quiet early in the therapy.
Which of the following themes is central to Kleinian psychoanalysis?
C. Self–object relationship is the central theme in object relations theory propounded by Melanie Klein. The relationship between the internal and external world as represented by objects is studied in detail by object relation therapists. The relationship between past and present is emphasized more in a Freudian style of psychoanalysis.
Which of the following is true according to the social identity theory?
C. Preference towards one’s own group with positive in-group attributional bias helps in preserving one’s social identity. According to social identity theory (SIT), an individual strives to achieve a positive self-esteem through personal and also social identity. So both exist concurrently. One can have several social identities according to the community in which one lives. Social identity has direct influence on one’s self-esteem. By improving one’s social identity, one can improve self-esteem. Unfortunately, while developing a strong social identity, in addition to pro in-group bias, one develops anti out-group bias that results in discrimination.
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